Years of Culture

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Years of Culture Legacy

A legacy of greater understanding and worldwide friendships.

The first Year of Culture, Qatar-Japan 2012 laid the foundation for over a decade of new ideas and collaborations. Since then we have built successful cultural partnerships with the Uk, Brazil, Turkey, China, Germany, Russia, India, France, the USA, the MENASA region, Indonesia and now Morocco.

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Two people's hands reaching out towards each other in friendship from opposite sides, seen from below against a blue sky.Two people's hands reaching out towards each other in friendship from opposite sides, seen from below against a blue sky.

Where it all began

Looking Upwards and Outwards

Years of Culture was born from the leadership of Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, establishing year-long programmes of initiatives between two nations, beginning with Qatar-Japan 2012. For over a decade, these specially curated Years of Culture have enabled international collaboration and deepened ties between countries all around the world.

Years of Culture brings people together from all over the world, enhancing our lives by fostering human connections through sport, the arts, education, innovation, and much more. Looking back at the achievements of the past decade, we look forward to building and celebrating many more connections in the years to come.

Two children from different cultures play together inside an art installation made of criss-crossing threads.
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Two children from different cultures play together inside an art installation made of criss-crossing threads.

Past Editions

Over a decade filled with culture

Discover the cultural legacies we have built - laying the foundation for a bright future filled with cultural exchange and friendships across the world.

Qatar - Indonesia 2023

A domed stone tower with ornate patterns and windows surrounded by greenery.

Qatar - MENASA 2022

View looking down a typical New York Street with stone buildings, skyscrapers in the distance and yellow taxis on the road.

Qatar - USA 2021

Iconic view of the Louvre museum in Paris, an open square with the famous glass pyramid at the centre against a blue sky.

Qatar - France 2020

 The Taj Mahal at sunset, an elegant white marble Indian monument, viewed from the side next to a grassy bank and river.

Qatar - India 2019

Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, an Orthodox church with elaborate red towers and brightly painted onion shaped domes.

Qatar - Russia 2018

Pretty view of a tree-lined river in Germany, stone bridge and impressive historical building with an oxidised copper dome.

Qatar - Germany 2017

Stunning mountainous landscape surrounding the Great Wall of China, with a portion of the stone wall and a watchtower.

Qatar - China 2016

Sunrise over Cappadocia in Türkiye with 12 hot air balloons in the sky above trees and the "fairy chimney" rock formations.Sunrise over Cappadocia in Türkiye with 12 hot air balloons in the sky above trees and the "fairy chimney" rock formations.

Qatar - Turkey 2015

Sunrise over Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, with urban sprawl in front of hills and Christ The Redeemer statue on Mount Corcovado.

Qatar - Brazil 2014

View of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben clock tower and pedestrians from Westminster Bridge in London on a rainy day.

Qatar - Uk 2013

Red wooden Japanese temple in the morning light, surrounded by forest with traditional statues on either side.Red wooden Japanese temple in the morning light, surrounded by forest with traditional statues on either side.

Qatar - Japan 2012